What Does MSW Accreditation Mean? Why Herzing's Achievement Matters for Your Future

When Herzing University's Master of Social Work program earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education, it marked a significant milestone—not just for the university, but for every current student, prospective student and graduate who will benefit from this achievement. But what exactly does this accreditation mean, and why should it matter to you?

The Gold Standard of Social Work Education

Accreditation in social work education isn't just a nice-to-have credential. It's the gold standard that ensures programs meet rigorous, peer-reviewed standards aligned with professional competencies. Think of it as a quality assurance process that guarantees your education will prepare you for real-world practice as a competent, ethical social worker.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) puts programs through an intensive evaluation process that examines everything from curriculum design to faculty qualifications. This peer-review process ensures that programs uphold consistent educational outcomes while still allowing flexibility for different educational contexts and approaches.

For well-educated social work professionals, this means your degree comes with built-in credibility. When you graduate from one of only 347 accredited master's programs in the country, employers, licensing boards and the public can trust that you've received training that meets the highest professional standards.

What This Means for Your Career Goals

The value and benefits of CSWE accreditation extend far beyond the classroom. This recognition creates direct pathways to professional opportunities that might otherwise be closed to graduates of non-accredited programs.

Most importantly, graduates from CSWE-accredited programs are typically eligible for state licensing, which is a crucial requirement for independent practice in social work. Licensing boards across the country recognize CSWE accreditation as proof that you've mastered the essential practice competencies needed to serve clients effectively and ethically.

Employers also view this accreditation as a marker of professional readiness. When you apply for positions, hiring managers immediately understand that your program has prepared you according to nationally recognized standards. This recognition can be the difference between landing your ideal role and being passed over for someone with accredited credentials.

The Journey to Full Accreditation

Understanding Herzing's path to accreditation helps illustrate this significant achievement. Many programs begin their journey in "candidacy" status, which is a formal process where they demonstrate early compliance with Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards while working toward full approval.

This candidacy process typically spans around three years and involves extensive documentation, peer review and site visits. For students, enrolling in a program during candidacy can still lead to an accredited degree, as long as the program achieves full accreditation during their enrollment period.

Herzing's progression from candidacy to full accreditation demonstrates the program's commitment to meeting and exceeding these rigorous standards. It's proof that the university invested the time, resources and expertise necessary to deliver education that truly prepares graduates for impactful careers.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

As of March 11, 2025, Herzing officially joined the ranks of fully accredited MSW programs. This achievement reflects countless hours of collaboration among social work faculty, advisory board members, field instructors, university leaders and students.

As Elizabeth Wilson, PhD, MSW, LCSW, chair of the MSW Program, noted, this accreditation "confirms Herzing University's commitment to excellence by providing a program that prepares students to work with clients in diverse settings." The recognition validates what students and faculty already knew: that Herzing's rigorous, clinically focused, culturally informed approach creates graduates ready to improve lives in their communities.

Why This Matters for Your Decision

Whether you're currently enrolled in Herzing's MSW program or considering applying, this accreditation fundamentally changes the value proposition of your degree. You're not just earning a master's degree—you're earning credentials from a program that meets the profession's highest standards.

This recognition means you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your education will open doors rather than create barriers. Licensing boards will recognize your qualifications, employers will trust your preparation and you'll have the knowledge and skills needed for ethical, effective practice.

The goal of any quality social work program should be to prepare graduates who can make a real difference in people's lives. With full CSWE accreditation, Herzing's MSW program has proven it achieves exactly that goal, giving you the foundation you need for a meaningful, impactful career in social work.